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When to Plant Nasturtium in Kansas

Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus) is a fast-growing annual with distinctive round, lily-pad leaves and bold trumpet-shaped blooms in warm oranges, reds, and yellows. Both the flowers and leaves are edible with a peppery watercress flavor. Planted near vegetables, nasturtiums act as a sacrifice trap-crop, luring aphids away from more valuable plants. They thrive in poor, dry soil — rich conditions produce lush foliage but few flowers.

Kansas spans USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

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Click your county for exact Nasturtium planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Nasturtium Planting Calendar for Kansas

Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 13 Mar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Direct Sow April 17 Apr 17 – May 8
Bloom June 12 Jun 12 – Oct 2
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 6 Mar 6 – Mar 20
Transplant Outdoors April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 17
Direct Sow April 3 Apr 3 – Apr 24
Bloom May 29 May 29 – Sep 25
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 25 Feb 25 – Mar 11
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Direct Sow March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 15
Bloom May 20 May 20 – Sep 23

Growing Tips for Kansas

Direct-sow large seeds 1/2 inch deep after last frost; soak seeds overnight to speed germination (7-10 days). Nasturtiums dislike root disturbance so direct sowing is strongly preferred. Avoid fertilizing — poor soil brings the best bloom. Trailing types can cover banks and climb trellises; dwarf types suit containers. In hot climates (zones 9+) plant in fall for winter/spring bloom as plants struggle in peak summer heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Nasturtium in Kansas?

Planting dates for Nasturtium in Kansas depend on your USDA zone. Kansas spans zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is Kansas for planting?

Kansas contains USDA hardiness zones 6a, 6b, 7a. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: June 2026.